CNN’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Thompson has issued a warning regarding the network’s future, emphasizing the need for adaptation amid the evolving landscape of legacy media.
To this end, Thompson has initiated a series of job cuts that may affect prominent broadcasters, including Jim Acosta.
Acosta, known for his confrontations with former President Trump during his initial term, has recently lost his 10 a.m. time slot, which has been reassigned to Wolf Blitzer’s political program,
The Situation Room. Blitzer, who previously hosted during the early evening, will now lead The Situation Room from 10 a.m. to noon EST, joined by fellow CNN anchor Pamela Brown.
This program has been a staple on the network’s schedule for nearly 20 years.
Reports indicate that Acosta may be relegated to a midnight time slot on the East Coast, which translates to a 9 p.m. airing on the West Coast.
However, sources, including the Los Angeles Times, suggest that Acosta has been informed he is not required to relocate.
Additionally, CNN frequently broadcasts repeat episodes after 11 p.m. EST.
There are also indications that Acosta may consider leaving the network, as discussions regarding the potential scheduling changes have reportedly been ongoing for several days, according to Variety.
According to the NYP, With the job cuts, CNN seeks to streamline its cable TV lineup and enhance its digital subscription offerings to better align with evolving viewer trends.
Thompson said CNN has started development on a new streaming service for news programming similar to its TV product.
CNN also plans to launch a new lifestyle-oriented product this year, the memo said, adding that CNN is looking to open up and fill at least 100 new posts in the coming months as part of the shift to digital.
“Some of today’s announcements mean significant new job opportunities at CNN, but others will lead to the loss of some valued colleagues,” Thompson wrote in the memo. “That too is an unwelcome but inevitable part of the change process.”
CNN declined to comment.
In October, CNN introduced a digital paywall requiring some users to pay $3.99 per month for access to its content.
The move aimed to create a new digital revenue stream as the network looks to offset the decline in TV. The digital efforts were financed by a $70 million investment from WBD, Thompson added.
